Dogs Trust urge dog owners to keep their pets safe this winter

Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity is urging dog owners to make sure their four-legged-friends are kept safe and warm following the sudden arrival of winter.

Published:10:00Sunday 13 November 2016

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Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity is urging dog owners to make sure their four-legged-friends are kept safe and warm following the sudden arrival of winter.

The charity is urging dog owners to take extra precautions to ensure their dogs remain safe and warm, especially when out walking this winter.

The Dogs Trust has some helpful tips to help owners keep their canines safe and warm and avoid potentially hazardous winter walks.

These include: Letting their dog’s winter coat grow, and particularly if they have a puppy, short-haired or old dog, buy him a sensible winter coat – a high visibility coat will ensure their dog can be seen in the dark;

Keep their dog on a lead if it is snowing heavily. Snow can be disorientating so he can easily become lost;

Make sure their dog is wearing a collar and an ID tag and is microchipped. It is important to ensure the microchipping database is up to date with the owner’s address and contact details;

Make sure they wipe their dogs legs, feet and stomach when they come indoors after a snowy walk as the grit from the roads can irritate their feet.

Owners are also advised to never leave their dog in a car during extreme weather, hot or cold.

Do not let their dog walk on frozen ponds - the ice may not be thick enough to take his weight.

And if their dog does fall through the ice never be tempted to go in after him. If possible encourage him to swim back to and call the emergency services.

Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs. Keep it well out of their reach and mop up any spills!